Ocular complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Session Details

Session Title: Moderated Poster Session: Miscellaneous
Session Date/Time: Saturday 10/02/2018 | 14:00-15:00
Paper Time: 14:40
Venue: Poster Area


First Author: W.Luboń POLAND
Co Author(s): K. Jadczyk-Sorek  E. Mrukwa-Kominek              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the systemic connective tissue diseases, the cause of which the immune system attacks body’s own healthy tissues. The autoantibodies trigger an inflammatory process leading to the destruction of an occupied organ. The disease can also affect the visual system. Aim of the study is to present the frequency and diversity of ocular surface diseases in patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Setting:

The study included 35 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus referred to the Ophthalmic Outpatient of University Clinical Center in Katowice. The ophthalmological examination assessing anterior and posterior part of the eye with additional tests was performed. Based on the medical history and presented symptoms the most common ocular symptoms in SLE patients were analized.

Methods:

Every patient had the ophthalmological examination, which included: OSDI questionnaire, verification of visual acuity, slit light examination, corneal fluorescein staining with Oxford scale assessment, Schirmer test, TBUT and ophthalmoscopy.

Results:

16 of 35 patients presented from moderate to severe Dry Eye Syndrome and corneal epitheliopathy. The most frequent symptoms were dryness sensation (81%), ocular discomfort (sticking, burning, pain, itching; 67%) and foreign body sensation (25%). Less of them were complaining of light and wind hypersensivity (19%) and sticky eye in the morning (10%). In group of patients with severe grade of Dry Eye Syndrome the visual impairment and loss of visual acuity was also noted.

Conclusions:

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus often require intensive treatment with artificial drops and anti-inflammatory topical medicaments. Due to lack or unsuitable composition of tear film they present varied symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome including corneal abnormalities. The ocular surface diseases are also associated with chronic anti-lupus medication intake such as hydroxychloroquine or long-acting glucocorticoids. In patients with SLE ophthalmological examination is recommended at least once a year and in patients with severe symptoms at least every 6 months.

Financial Disclosure:

None